A Montenegrin Prince in Limerick

December 10, 2025

A Montenegrin Prince in Limerick

This is not a fairy tale. It is a fascinating chapter of history—what one might call “History at your doorstep.” It’s a tale that connects both sides of the Atlantic Ocean and ancient mainland Europe.

Milo Petrović-Njegoš (1889–1978), a prince of Montenegro, was a direct descendant of Radul Petrović, the brother of Prince-Bishop Danilo I. Born into privilege, Milo never knew poverty. However, as fate would have it, circumstances beyond his control dramatically altered the course of his life.

Prince Milo was born on October 3, 1889, in Njeguši to Đuro Petrović and Stane-Cane Đurašković. During World War I, he served as the commander of the Lovćen Brigade. As the Austro-Hungarian forces retreated from Serbia and Montenegro in November 1918, French and Serbian troops swiftly occupied the Kingdom of Montenegro. Initially seen as allies, their presence marked the beginning of a turbulent chapter in Montenegrin history.

The newly convened National Assembly of Podgorica accused Montenegro’s King of negotiating a separate peace with the enemy. Consequently, the Assembly deposed him, banned his return, and on December 1, 1918, declared Montenegro’s unification with the Kingdom of Serbia. This decision sparked widespread dissent, culminating in the Christmas Uprising on January 7, 1919.

Prince Milo left Montenegro in 1919 and spent over half a century championing Montenegrin rights and the restoration of Montenegrin statehood. His journey took him across the globe. On September 3, 1927, he married Helena Grace Smith in Santa Barbara, California. Their daughter, Milena, was born on October 23, 1928, in Los Angeles. However, Milo left his family the following year and eventually settled in London.

Later, he moved to Dublin, Ireland, where he owned an antiques shop, and then to Clifden, County Galway. By 1978, Milo had found his way to Limerick under unclear circumstances. He passed away on November 22, 1978, at Barringtons Hospital in Limerick.

In accordance with his wishes, Milo was laid to rest in a modest grave in St. Mary’s Cathedral, Limerick—a resting place that belies his royal lineage. Many pass by it, unaware of the remarkable life of the man buried there.